Sam Merrill has been stout on defense for Cavs

INDEPENDENCE — Sam Merrill doesn't look like an elite defender. However, as the Miami Heat realized in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series, he can get after it at that end of the court. Merrill has always been known as a long-range shooter, but Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has untapped a different side to his game. "Sam is a plus defender for us," he said. Cleveland's coach said Merrill has toughness, is disciplined and knows the opponent's personnel. "He's way underrated as a defender," Atkinson said. "Teams try to bring him into the action. We actually prefer when they do that." The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder's shooting has taken a dip this season, despite the fact he's a major contributor in Atkinson's rotation. "A lot of people are surprised by what Sam can do," Cavs center Jarrett Allen said. "Sam will say it, 'He doesn't pass the eye test as a defender.' Let's just be honest." The Cavs host the Heat in Game 2 at 7:30 tonight at Rocket Arena. Miami forward Andrew Wiggins found out first hand what Merrill was capable of on the defensive end. Merrill is tough, physical and has outstanding lateral quickness. "I try to be physical without fouling," Merrill said. "I understand what guys want to do. I have a lot of pride (in my defense)." He said the mental side to playing defense is crucial. "Even the best on-the-ball defenders in the world get scored on," Merrill said. "You have to be able to take away the easy stuff. You have to be in the right spots. "You want to force guys into taking shots we want them to take." He said he felt he had some good moments last year. "I just didn't get a lot of reps," Merrill said. Still, the Utah State product knew he had to get stronger coming into this season. "I put in a lot of work in the weight room last summer," he said. "I wanted to be more physical." Merrill, 28, believes his career arc and teammate Ty Jerome's have a lot in common. "We've been on similar paths," he said. "We've both had ankle injuries and seen the same doctors. We have the same agent. I know last year was really frustrating for him (because of the injury)." Jerome rebounded this year and has had the best season of his NBA career. "I feel like anytime we needed something, he's been able to provide it," Merrill said. Merrill, who is a free agent at the end of the season, was waived twice in the NBA and spent a lot of time in the G League. Once he came to Cleveland, though, he's just gotten better and better. In 72 games, he averaged 7.2 points, while shooting .406 from the field and .372 from the 3-point line. No big changes Atkinson said he wants the Cavs to stay true to who they are in Game 2. "We want to get ahead of any adjustments they might make," he said. "We want to keep our identity and keep doing what we've been doing." Atkinson would like to find more minutes for forward De'Andre Hunter in Game 2, but said he can't predict how the minutes will be handed out. "Every game it's going to be someone different (who has his minutes cut)," he said. "There are teams in the playoffs that play eight guys. We have a different philosophy. "Even the Core Four, there could be a time someone doesn't finish. All bets are off as far as the playoffs go." Butler didn't do it The Heat, Atkinson said, are a different team without Jimmy Butler, who was traded to Golden State during this season. "They aren't as reliant on two players," Atkinson said. "They've spread it around a little more. "This is not a 10 seed. It's a 4 seed talent-wise. It just took them time to get it together. Imagine if we lost Evan (Mobley). They've figured it out. They've found a way to shift the power to other players." For the Cavs, Atkinson said they have to find a way to get more opportunities for power forward Evan Mobley in Game 2. "How do you free up Evan?" Atkinson asked. "How do we get (Heat guard) Davion Mitchell off our best players? We've got to know who to attack and who to avoid." Zeroing in on the zone Cleveland did well in Game 1 against Miami's zone, which is considered one of the best in the league. "We'll be ready for it," Atkinson said. "We've had time to prepare for it. We have good decision-makers and we have guys with high IQs who can shoot." Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.